17 An honest witness tells the truth,

but a false witness tells lies.

18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19 Truthful lips endure forever,

but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,

but those who promote peace have joy.

17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,

but a false witness utters deceit.

18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19 Truthful lips endure forever,

but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,

but those who plan peace have joy.

17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness:

But a false witness deceit.

18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword:

But the tongue of the wise is health.

19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever:

But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil:

But to the counsellers of peace is joy.

17 An honest witness tells the truth;

a false witness tells lies.

18 Some people make cutting remarks,

but the words of the wise bring healing.

19 Truthful words stand the test of time,

but lies are soon exposed.

20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;

joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

17 He who speaks truth declares righteousness,

But a false witness, deceit.

18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,

But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

19 The truthful lip shall be established forever,

But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,

But counselors of peace have joy.

17 An honest witness tells the truth,

but a dishonest witness tells lies.

18 Careless words stab like a sword,

but wise words bring healing.

19 Truth will continue forever,

but lies are only for a moment.

20 Those who plan evil are full of lies,

but those who plan peace are happy.

17 He that uttereth truth showeth forth righteousness;

But a false witness, deceit.

18 There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword;

But the tongue of the wise is health.

19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever;

But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil;

But to the counsellors of peace is joy.

17 He that uttereth truth sheweth forth righteousness; but a false witness deceit.

18 There is that babbleth like the piercings of a sword; but the tongue of the wise is health.

19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever; but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

17 A truthful witness speaks honestly, 

but a lying witness speaks deceitfully. 

18 Careless words stab like a sword, 

but the words of wise people bring healing. 

19 The word of truth lasts forever, 

but lies last only a moment. 

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil, 

but joy belongs to those who advise peace. 

17 Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right,

but a false witness, deceit.

18 There is one who speaks rashly,

like a piercing sword;

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19 Truthful lips endure forever,

but a lying tongue, only a moment.

20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,

but those who promote peace have joy.

17 He who will speak truth will reveal righteousness,

but the witness of falsehood, deceit.

18 There is one who speaks rashly, like the thrust of a sword,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19 A lip of truth endures forever,

but a tongue of deception lasts only a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil,

but to those who plan peace, there is joy.

17 An honest witness tells the truth.

But a dishonest witness tells lies.

18 Thoughtless words cut like a sword.

But the tongue of wise people brings healing.

19 Truthful words last forever.

But lies last for only a moment.

20 There are lies in the hearts of those who plan evil.

But there is joy for those who work to bring peace.

17 He who speaks truth tells what is right,

But a false witness, deceit.

18 There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,

But the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19 Truthful lips will be established forever,

But a lying tongue is only for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,

But counselors of peace have joy.